General 50-225R M1 User Manual
SPECIFIC
ATIONS
BLADE DIAMETER
10" (254 MM)
ARBOR DIAMETER
5/8" (16 MM)
ARBOR
TILT RANGE
0° À 45°
MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT
AT 90°
3 1⁄8" (80 mm)
MAXIMUM DEPTH OF CUT
A
T 45°
2 1⁄4" (57 MM)
D
ADO CAPACITY
3⁄4" (19 MM)
DUST POR
T DIAMETER
4" (102 MM)
ARBOR SPEED
4200 RPM
TABLE HEIGHT
35 3⁄8" (899 MM)
T
ABLE SIZE (W/EXTENSION WINGS)
44" X 27" (1118 X 686 MM)
T
ABLE SIZE (W/O EXTENSION WINGS)
20" X 27" (508 X 686 MM)
B
ASE DIMENSIONS (L X W)
20" X 20" (508 X 508 MM)
MO
TOR (PRE-WIRED 110 V)
2 HP, 110/220 V, 13/6.5 A
WEIGHT
312 LBS (142 KG)
SETUP & OPERATION MANUAL
10" TILTING ARBOR SAW
– LEFT TILT
FEATURES
New! Combination riving style splitter and
blade guard with anti-kickback pawls and
a second European style riving knife also
included.
Large, precision-ground, 44" x 27" cast-iron
table with two extension wings.
4" dust port allows easy connection to a
dust collection system.
Safety key switch.
Ruggedly built saw carriage with solid cast-
iron trunnions.
Large motor access door for quick clean-
ing and easier maintenance.
Convenient arbor lock for fast one-tool
blade changes.
New! Excalibur aluminum T-fence
REVISION 1 - July 14/08
© Copyright General® International 07/2008
MODEL
#50-225R M1
THANK YOU
for choosing this General®International Star-Shop model 50-225R
M1 10" Tilting Arbor Saw. This saw has been carefully tested and inspected before shipment and
if properly used and maintained, will provide you with years of reliable service. To ensure optimum performance and trouble-free operation, and to get the most from your investment,
please take the time to read this manual before assembling, installing and operating the unit.
The manual’s purpose is to familiarize you with the safe operation, basic function, and features
of this saw as well as the set-up, maintenance and identification of its parts and components.
This manual is not intended as a substitute for formal woodworking instruction, nor to offer the
user instruction in the craft of woodworking. If you are not sure about the safety of
performing a certain operation or procedure, do not proceed until you can confirm, from
knowledgeable and qualified sources, that it is safe to do so.
Once you’ve read through these instructions, keep this manual handy for future reference.
Disclaimer:
The information and specifications in this
manual pertain to the unit as it was supplied from the
factory at the time of printing. Because we are committed to making constant improvements, General
®
International reserves the right to make changes to
components, parts or features of this unit as deemed
necessary,without prior notice and without obligation to
install any such changes on previously delivered units.
Reasonable care is taken at the factory to ensure that
the specifications and information in this manual corres-
ponds with that of the unit with which it was supplied.
However, special orders and “after factory” modifications may render some or all information in this manual
inapplicable to your machine. Further, as several generations of this model of saw and several versions of this
manual may be in circulation, if you own an earlier or
later version of this unit, this manual may not depict your
machine exactly. If you have any doubts or questions
contact your retailer or our support line with the model
and serial number of your unit for clarification.
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL
8360 Champ-d’Eau, Montreal (Quebec) Canada H1P 1Y3
Telephone (514) 326-1161 • Fax (514) 326-5555 • www.general.ca
GENERAL®& GENERAL®INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
All component parts of General®, General® International and Excalibur by General
International ® products are carefully inspected during all stages of production and each unit
is thoroughly inspected upon completion of assembly.
Limited Lifetime
Warranty
Because of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, General® and General®
International agree to repair or replace any part or component which upon examination,
proves to be defective in either workmanship or material to the original purchaser for the life
of the tool.
However, the Limited Lifetime Warranty does not cover any product used for professionnal or commercial production purposes nor for industrial or educational applications.
Such cases are covered by our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty only. The Limited Lifetime
Warranty is also subject to the “Conditions and Exceptions” as listed below.
Standard 2-Year Limited Warranty
All products not covered by our lifetime warranty including products used in commercial,
industrial and educational applications are warranted for a period of 2 years (24 months) from
the date of purchase. General® and General® International agree to repair or replace any
part or component which upon examination, proves to be defective in either workmanship or
material to the original purchaser during this 2-year warranty period, subject to the “conditions
and exceptions” as listed below.
T
o file a Claim
To file a claim under our Standard 2-year Limited Warranty or under our Limited Lifetime
Warranty, all defective parts, components or machinery must be returned freight or postage
prepaid to General® International, or to a nearby distributor, repair center or other location
designated by General® International. For further details call our service department at 1-888949-1161 or your local distributor for assistance when filing your claim.
Along with the return of the product being claimed for warranty, a copy of the original proof
of purchase and a “letter of claim” must be included (a warranty claim form can also be used
and can be obtained, upon request, from General® International or an authorized distributor)
clearly stating the model and serial number of the unit (if applicable) and including an explanation of the complaint or presumed defect in material or workmanship.
CONDITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS:
This coverage is extended to the original purchaser only. Prior warranty registration is not
required but documented proof of purchase i.e. a copy of original sales invoice or receipt
showing the date and location of the purchase as well as the purchase price paid, must be
provided at the time of claim.
Warranty does not include failures, breakage or defects deemed after inspection by General®
or General® International to have been directly or indirectly caused by or resulting from;
improper use, or lack of or improper maintenance, misuse or abuse, negligence, accidents,
damage in handling or transport, or normal wear and tear of any generally considered consumable parts or components.
Repairs made without the written consent of General® Internationallwill void all warranty.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Grounding instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Circuit capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Converting the motor to 220V . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Extension cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPO-
NENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
BASIC FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
List of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Additional requirements for set up . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP / ESTABLISHING A
SAFETY ZONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
CLEAN UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Install the table exension wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Mount fence storage brackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Install the fence assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Front fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Rear fence rails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Mount the switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Install / remove a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Install a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
To remove a saw blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Install and adjust riving knife . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Select a riving knife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Removal/Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Centering the splitter/riving knife on the blade .14
Level the table insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Align and level the rip fence . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Align the rip fence parallel to the blade . . . . . . .14
Align the rip fence 90º to the table . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Level the fence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Adjust & align rip fence pointer . . . . . . . . . . .16
Connecting to a dust collector . . . . . . . . . . .16
BASIC ADJUSTMENTS AND CONTROLS . . . . . .16
Connecting to a power source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
ON / OFF switch and safety key . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Blade height & tilt adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Blade height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Blade tilt (bevel) adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Types of cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Ripping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Bevel ripping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Ripping small work pieces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Cross cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Bevel cross cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Adjusting and using the miter gauge . . . . . . .20
Ajustement du guide d’onglet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Adding an auxiliary fence to the miter gauge . .20
Miter cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Compound miter cuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Using a dado head blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . .21
Periodic maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Adjusting the 45 º & 90 º bevel stops . . . . . . . . . . .22
Adjusting the bevel angle pointer . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Recommended optional accessories . . . . .23
Parts list and diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Contact information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
To help ensure safe operation, please take a moment to learn the machine’s applications and limitations, as well as potential hazards. General® International disclaims any real or implied warranty and holds itself harmless for any injury that
may result from improper use of its equipment.
1. Do not operate the saw when tired, distracted, or
under the effects of drugs, alcohol or any medication that impairs reflexes or alertness.
2. The working area should be well lit, clean and free
of debris.
3. Keep children and visitors at a safe distance when
the saw is in operation; do not permit them to
operate the saw.
4. Childproof and tamper proof your shop and all
machinery with locks, master electrical switches
and switch keys, to prevent unauthorized or unsupervised use.
5. Stay alert! Give your work your undivided atten-
tion. Even a momentary distraction can lead to serious injury.
6. Fine particulate dust is a carcinogen that can be
hazardous to health. Work in a well-ventilated area
and whenever possible use a dust collector and
wear eye, ear and respiratory protection devices.
7. Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, bracelets, neck-
laces or other jewelry while the saw is in operation.
Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair
and wear non-slip footwear.
8. Be sure that adjusting wrenches, tools, drinks and
other clutter are removed from the machine and/or
the feed table surface before operating.
9. Keep hands well away from the blade and all mo-
ving parts. Use a brush, not hands, to clear away
chips and dust.
10. Be sure that the blade is securely installed and in
proper cutting direction before operation.
11. Be sure the blade has gained full operating speed
before beginning to cut.
12. Always use a clean, properly sharpened blade.
Dirty or dull blades are unsafe and can lead to
accidents.
13. If using a power feeder,stop the feeder before stop-
ping the table saw.
14. Do not push or force stock into the blade. The saw
will perform better and more safely when working
at the rate for which it was designed.
15. Use suitable support when cutting stock that does
not have a flat surface. Always hold stock firmly
against the fence when ripping, or against the miter
gauge when cross-cutting.
16. To minimize risk of injury in the event of workpiece
kickback, never stand directly in-line with the blade
or in the potential kickback path of the work piece.
17. Avoid working from awkward or off balance posi-
tions. Do not overreach while cutting; keep both
feet on floor. Never lean over or reach over the
blade and never pull the work piece over the blade
from behind. Use out feed support or have an assistant help when ripping long material.
18. Keep blade guards in place and in working order.
If a guard must be removed for maintenance or
cleaning, be sure it is properly reattached before
using the tool again.
19. Never leave the machine running with the power
on when not in operation.
20. Use of parts and accessories NOT recommended
by
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL
may result in equip-
ment malfunction or risk of injury.
21. Never stand on machinery. Serious injury could
result if the tool is tipped over or if the blade is unintentionally contacted.
22. Always disconnect tool from power before servicing
or changing accessories such as blades, or before
performing any maintenance, cleaning or adjustments, or if the machine will be left unattended.
23. Make sure that switch is in "OFF" position before
plugging in the power cord.
24. Make sure the tool is properly grounded. If equip-
ped with a 3-prong plug it should be used with a
three-pole receptacle. Never remove the third
prong.
25. Do not use this saw for other than its intended use. If
used for other purposes,
GENERAL® INTERNATIONAL
disclaims any real implied warranty and holds itself
harmless for any injury, which may result from that
use.
5
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
In the event of an electrical malfunction or short circuit,
grounding reduces the risk of electric shock. The motor
of this machine is wired for 110V single phase operation
and is equipped with a 3-conductor cord and a 3prong grounding plug to fit a grounded type receptacle . Do not remove the 3rd prong (grounding pin)
to make it fit into an old 2-hole wall socket or extension
cord. If an adaptor plug is used , it must be attached
to the metal screw of the receptacle.
Note: The use of an adaptor plug is illegal in some
areas. Check your local codes. If you have any doubts
or if the supplied plug does not correspond to your electrical outlet, consult a qualified eletrician before proceeding.
CIRCUIT CAPACITY
Make sure that the wires in your circuit are capable of
handling the amperage draw from your machine, as
well as any other machines that could be operating on
the same circuit. If you are unsure, consult a qualified
electrician. If the circuit breaker trips or the fuse blows
regularly, your machine may be operating on a circuit
that is close to its amperage draw capacity. However, if
an unusual amperage draw does not exist and a
power failure still occurs, contact a qualified technician
or our service department.
CONVERTING THE MOTOR TO 220V
Should you need to convert your machine’s motor from
110V to 220V power, there is an electrical schematic
drawing on the inside of the motor cover plate. Unless
you are a qualified electrician, we do not recommend
attempting this conversion on your own. If you choose
BEFORE CONNECTING THE MACHINE TO THE POWER SOURCE, VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE OF YOUR POWER SUPPLY CORRESPONDS
WITH THE VOLTAGE SPECIFIED ON THE MOTOR I.D. NAMEPLATE. A POWER SOURCE WITH GREATER VOLTAGE THAN NEEDED CAN
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THE USER AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE. IF IN DOUBT, CONTACT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN
BEFORE CONNECTING TO THE POWER SOURCE.
THIS TOOL IS FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN OR USE IN WET OR DAMP LOCATIONS.
to do so, you may risk serious personal injury, damage
to the motor and voiding the warranty of your machine.
We suggest you ask your local General International
distributor to recommend qualified electricians in your
area (or perhaps one of their own technicians) who
can make this conversion properly and safely.
EXTENSION CORDS
If you find it necessary to use an extension cord with your
machine, use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3prong grounding plug and a matching 3-pole receptacle that accepts the tool’s plug. Repair or replace a
damaged extension cord or plug immediately.
Make sure the cord rating is suitable for the amperage
listed on the motor I.D. plate. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power
and overheating. The accompanying chart shows the
correct size extension cord to be used based on cord
length and motor I.D. plate amp rating. If in doubt, use
the next heavier gauge. The smaller the number, the
heavier the gauge.
TABLE - MINIMUM GAUGE FOR CORD
AMPERE
RATING
TOTAL LENGTH OF CORD IN FEET
110 VOLTS 25 FEET 50 FEET 100 FEET 150 FEET
220 VOLTS 50 FEET 100 FEET 200 FEET 300 FEET
AWG
< 5
------->
18 16 16 14
6 TO 10
------->
18 16 14 12
10 TO 12
------->
16 16 14 12
12 TO 16
------->
14 12 * NR * NR
* NR = Not Recommended
6
10" TILTING ARBOR SAW
50-225R M1
IDENTIFICATION OF MAIN PARTS AND COMPONENTS
LEFT TABLE EXTENSION
MAIN TABLE
BLADE GUARD AND SPLITTER ASSEMBLY
MITER GAUGE
FENCE
REAR RAIL
RIGHT TABLE EXTENSION
TABLE INSERT
FRONT RAIL
BLADE TILT HANDWHEEL
BEVEL SCALE
DUST OUTLET
BLADE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT HANDWHEEL
ON/OFF SWITCH
7
UNPACKING
Carefully unpack and remove the saw and its components from the box and check for damaged or missing
items as per the list of contents below.
NOTE: Please report any damaged or missing items to your
General® International distributor immediately.
LIST OF CONTENTS QTY
SAW................................................................................1
TABLE EXTENSION ..........................................................2
EXTENSION TABLE MOUNTING HARDWARE..................8
SPLITTER / RIVING KNIFE................................................3
SPACER...........................................................................1
RIVING KNIFE.................................................................1
FENCE STORAGE BRACKET & HARDWARE....................2
MITER GAUGE................................................................1
FRONT RAIL (2 PCS) ......................................................1
REAR RAIL (2 PCS).........................................................1
RIP FENCE ......................................................................1
2.5 MM ALLEN KEY ........................................................1
6 MM ALLEN KEY ...........................................................1
12-14 MM COMBINATION WRENCH............................1
ARBOR WRENCH ...........................................................1
FRONT RAIL MOUNTING HARDWARE ...........................6
REAR RAIL MOUNTING HARDWARE..............................6
BASIC FUNCTIONS
This hybrid saw has been designed for cutting solid wood as well as manufactured wood materials such as plywood, wood panelling, particleboard, mdf and other wood based by-products. This saw is not designed for cutting
metals nor for cutting any materials other than wood or wood based stock.
This saw is designed for use with maximum 10" (250mm) diameter blades having a center hole diameter of 5/8".
The blade can be raised to cut a maximum stock thickness of 3 1/8" with the blade set 90 degrees to the table. The
blade can be tilted up to 45 degrees to the left for bevel cuts to a maximum stock thickness of 2 1/4". Using any
standard aftermarket 8" diameter stacked dado blade set (not included), the maximum dado cutting capacity of
this saw is 3/4". Note: for safer dado cutting, an optional dado table insert (part number #50-230R) can be purchased through your General International distributor.
The 50-225R is supplied with both a riving style splitter/blade guard assembly and a European style riving knife that
are both designed to raise or lower and tilt with the blade, and maintain a consistent distance to the blade at all
times, regardless of the height or angle of the blade. This can help reduce (but not totally eliminate) the risk of a
kickback incident, where the workpiece is thrown back at the operator by helping to prevent the workpiece from
getting stuck between the blade and the riving style splitter or riving knife (as compared to a traditional stationary
splitter) or from closing up on the back of the blade as it passes through the cut.
or
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SET UP
• Extra person for help with lifting
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Socket wrench kit (recommended)
• Straightedge
• Machinist square or triangle square
8
PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP /
ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE
PLACEMENT WITHIN THE SHOP
This machine should be installed and operated only on a
solid, flat and stable floor that is able to support the
weight of the saw (312 lbs - 142 kgs) and the operator.
Using the dimensions shown as a guideline, plan for
placement within your shop that will allow the operator to
work unencumbered and unobstructed by foot traffic
(either passing shop visitors or other shop workers) or
other tools or machinery.
ESTABLISHING A SAFETY ZONE
For shops with frequent visitors or multiple operators, it is
advisable to establish a safety zone around shop
machinery. A clearly defined “no-go” zone on the floor
around each machine can help avoid accidents that
could cause injury to either the operator or the shop visitor. It is advisable to take a few moments to either paint
(using non-slip paint) or using tape, define on the floor the limits or perimeter of each machines safety zone. Take
steps to ensure that all operators and shop visitors are aware that these areas are off limits whenever a machine is
running for everyone but the individual operating the unit.
THIS MODEL 50-225R 10" TILTING ARBOR SAW IS HEAVY. DO NOT OVER-EXERT. A HOIST OR FORKLIFT WITH STRAPS SHOULD BE USED
TO LIFT THIS MACHINE.
TO LIMIT THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE,ANY EQUIPMENT USED TO LIFT THIS MACHINE SHOULD HAVE
A RATED CAPACITY IN EXCESS OF 312 LBS (142 KGS).
9
CLEAN UP
The protective coating on the saw table prevents rust from
forming during shipping and storage. Remove it by rubbing with a rag dipped in kerosene, mineral spirits or
paint thinner. (Dispose of potentially flammable solventsoaked rags according to manufacturer’s safety recommendations.)
A putty knife, held flat to avoid scratching the surface,
may also be used to scrape off the coating followed by
clean-up with solvent. Avoid rubbing the saw’s painted
surfaces, as many solvent-based products will remove
paint.
To prevent rust, apply a light coating of paste wax or use
regular applications of any after-market surface protectant or rust inhibitor.
Tip: With a screw driver, push a solvent-saturated rag into
the T-slots to remove the grease.
10
INSTALL THE TABLE EXTENSION WINGS
Attach the table extension wings to the main table using
8 12 mm hex head bolts (4 per wing), and 8 lock washers
. Align the table extensions with the table and loosely
attach the bolts. Place a straightedge on the table and
extension as shown to align the extension table and
then tighten down the bolts.
Note: Be sure that the table extension wings are flush with
front edge of table .
level here
flush here
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
MOUNT FENCE STORAGE BRACKETS
The miter gauge and arbor wrench storage brackets are already installed on the saw. Install the fence
storage brackets on the right side of the saw as shown in
, using two Phillips head screws and flat washers.
INSTALL THE FENCE ASSEMBLY
1.
Loosely thread the six square head bolts to the front of the table as shown in . Assemble the fasteners in the
order shown in .
2.
Do not tighten down the nuts; leave the square heads of the bolt protruding from the table as shown in .
FRONT FENCE RAILS
3. From the left side of the saw, slide the upper slot
of the left (shorter) front rail onto the square head
bolts .
4. Set the left end of the rail flush to the outside edge
of the extension wing.
FLUSH HERE
1. Use 6 cap screws with lock washers and nuts to assemble the rear rails to the rear of the saw as shown .
REAR FENCE RAILS
5. From the right side of the saw,slide the upper slot of
the right front rail onto the square head bolts .
6. Fit the 2 rails together .
7. Tighten down the nuts to firmly secure the front rails
to the table.
11
2. Make sure that the intersection between the two rear rails is leveled .
MOUNT THE SWITCH
1. Temporarily remove the end cap from the left
end of the front rail .
2. Slide the heads of the bolts of the switch mounting
bracket into the t-sot on the underside of the fence
rail .
LARGER VIEW
Loading...